Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes: a base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apart from each other; a pixel defining film on the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode and including a first opening exposing the first pixel electrode, a second opening exposing the second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening, and a third opening exposing the third pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a first organic layer on the first pixel electrode exposed by the first opening; a second organic layer on the second pixel electrode exposed by the second opening; and a third organic layer on the third pixel electrode exposed by the third opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/358,557, filed Mar. 19, 2019, which claims priority to and thebenefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0062627, filed May 31,2018, the entire content of both of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to a displaydevice.

2. Description of the Related Art

Since an organic light emitting display device has self-emissioncharacteristics and does not require a separate light source, unlike aliquid crystal display device, the thickness and weight thereof can bereduced. Further, the organic light emitting display device exhibitshigh-quality characteristics such as low power consumption, highluminance, and a high reaction rate.

Generally, the organic light emitting display device includes an anodeelectrode, a pixel defining layer including an opening for defining thearea and shape of a pixel by exposing the anode electrode, an organiclight emitting layer disposed on the anode electrode corresponding tothe opening, and a cathode electrode disposed on the organic lightemitting layer.

Here, the “pixel” refers to a minimum unit for displaying an image, andis a portion where an organic light emitting layer emits light.

The organic light emitting layer constituting the pixel of the organiclight emitting display device is formed by deposition using a fine metalmask (FMM). When the gap between adjacent pixels is formed to be shortin order to secure the aperture ratio of a pixel, there is a problemthat the deposition reliability of the organic light emitting layer isdeteriorated, and there is a problem that the aperture ratio of a pixelis lowered when the gap between pixels is formed to be long in order toimprove deposition reliability.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, adisplay device has improved reliability.

However, aspects of the present invention are not restricted to thoseset forth herein. The above and other aspects of the present inventionwill become more apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to whichthe present invention pertains by referencing the detailed descriptionof the present invention provided below.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a basesubstrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and athird pixel electrode arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apartfrom each other; a pixel defining film on the first pixel electrode, thesecond pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode and including afirst opening exposing the first pixel electrode, a second openingexposing the second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the firstopening, and a third opening exposing the third pixel electrode andspaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a firstorganic layer on the first pixel electrode exposed by the first openingand including a first light emitting layer; a second organic layer onthe second pixel electrode exposed by the second opening and including asecond light emitting layer; and a third organic layer on the thirdpixel electrode exposed by the third opening and including a third lightemitting layer, wherein a first thickness of a portion of the firstorganic layer overlapping the first pixel electrode is thicker than asecond thickness of a portion of the second organic layer overlappingthe second pixel electrode, the second thickness of the portion of thesecond organic layer overlapping the second pixel electrode is thickerthan a third thickness of a portion of the third organic layeroverlapping the third pixel electrode, and, in a plan view, a shortestgap between the third opening and the second opening is shorter than ashortest gap between the third opening and the first opening.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a basesubstrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and athird pixel electrode arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apartfrom each other; a pixel defining film on the first pixel electrode, thesecond pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode and including afirst opening exposing the first pixel electrode, a second openingexposing the second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the firstopening, and a third opening exposing the third pixel electrode andspaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a firstorganic layer on the first pixel electrode exposed by the first openingand including a first light emitting layer; a second organic layer onthe second pixel electrode exposed by the second opening and including asecond light emitting layer; and a third organic layer on the thirdpixel electrode exposed by the third opening and including a third lightemitting layer, wherein each of the first organic layer, the secondorganic layer, and the third organic layer has an island shape, a firstthickness of a portion of the first organic layer overlapping the firstpixel electrode is thicker than a second thickness of a portion of thesecond organic layer overlapping the second pixel electrode, the secondthickness of the portion of the second organic layer overlapping thesecond pixel electrode is thicker than a third thickness of a portion ofthe third organic layer overlapping the third pixel electrode, and, in aplan view, a shortest gap between the third organic layer and the secondopening is shorter than a shortest gap between the first organic layerand the second opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the present invention willbecome more apparent by describing in further detail some exemplaryembodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of a display device according toan embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a relationship between openings and pixelelectrodes in the display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a relationship between openings andorganic layers in the display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a relationship between pixel electrodesand organic layers in the display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1′ in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2′ in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3′ in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X4-X4′ in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of the region “Q1” in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of the region “Q2” in FIG. 8; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic views for explaining a deposition processof an organic layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Features of the inventive concept and methods of accomplishing the samemay be understood more readily by reference to the following detaileddescription of some embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Theinventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forthherein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of theinventive concept to those skilled in the art, and the inventive conceptwill be defined by the appended claims. Like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout the specification.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept.As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It is to be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

It is to be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itmay be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer,or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. Incontrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

It is to be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions,layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers,and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms areused to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or sectionfrom another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a“first” element, component, region, layer, or section discussed belowcould be termed a “second” element, component, region, layer, or sectionwithout departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

Throughout the specification, same reference numerals are used for sameor similar parts.

Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of a display device according toan embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a relationship betweenopenings and pixel electrodes in the display device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 isa plan view showing a relationship between openings and organic layersin the display device of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a plan view showing arelationship between pixel electrodes and organic layers in the displaydevice of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lineX1-X1′ in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lineX2-X2′ in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lineX3-X3′ in FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lineX4-X4′ in FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of the region “Q1” inFIG. 8; and FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of the region “Q2” in FIG.8.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, a display device 1 may include a basesubstrate 110, a first pixel electrode PE1, a second pixel electrodePE2, a third pixel electrode PE3, a pixel defining film 150, a firstorganic layer OL1, a second organic layer OL2, a third organic layerOL3, and a common electrode CE, and may further include a firstswitching device TR1, a second switching device TR2, a third switchingdevice TR3, and an interlayer insulating film 130.

The base substrate 110 may be made of an insulating material, such asglass, quartz, or a polymer resin. Examples of the polymer resin mayinclude polyether sulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR),polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate,polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT),cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and combinations thereof. In anembodiment, the base substrate 110 may include a metal material.

The base substrate 110 may be a rigid substrate, or may be a flexiblesubstrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable. Examples of amaterial constituting the flexible substrate may include polyimide (PI),but are not limited thereto.

The first switching element TR1, the second switching element TR2, andthe third switching element TR3 may be disposed on the base substrate110. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a wiring includingat least one scan line, at least one data line, at least one drivingpower supply line, at least one common power supply line, and at leastone initiation power supply line, and a pixel circuit such as acapacitor may be disposed on the base substrate 110. In someembodiments, the first switching element TR1, the second switchingelement TR2, and the third switching element TR3 may be thin filmtransistors, respectively.

The interlayer insulating film 130 may be disposed on the firstswitching element TR1, the second switching element TR2, and the thirdswitching element TR3. In some embodiments, the interlayer insulatingfilm 130 may be made of an organic insulating material, but the presentinvention is not limited thereto.

A first contact hole CT1 may be formed in the interlayer insulating film130 to expose a part of the first switching element TR1, for example, adrain electrode of the first switching element TR1. Further, a secondcontact hole CT2 may be formed in the interlayer insulating film 130 toexpose a drain electrode of the second switching element TR2, and athird contact hole CT3 may be formed in the interlayer insulating film130 to expose a drain electrode of the third switching element TR3.

The first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and thethird pixel electrode PE3, which are spaced apart from each other, maybe disposed on the interlayer insulating film 130.

In some embodiments, each of the first pixel electrode PE1, the secondpixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be an anodeelectrode. In some embodiments, each of the first pixel electrode PE1,the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 mayhave a single-layer structure of ITO, Ag, or a metal mixture (forexample, a mixture of Ag and Mg), a two-layer structure of ITO/Mg orITO/MgF, or a three-layer structure of ITO/Ag/ITO, but the presentinvention is not limited thereto.

The first pixel electrode PE1 may be connected to the first switchingelement TR1 through the first contact hole CT1, the second pixelelectrode PE2 may be connected to the second switching element TR2through the second contact hole CT2, and the third pixel electrode PE3may be connected to the third switching element TR3 through the thirdcontact hole CT3.

When seen in a plan view, each of the first pixel electrode PE1, thesecond pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may havean island shape. In some embodiments, each of the first pixel electrodePE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3may have a polygonal shape, for example, a rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, centers of the first pixel electrode PE1 and thethird pixel electrode PE3 may be disposed on a first imaginary line VL1extending along a first direction D1, and the first pixel electrodes PE1and the third pixel electrodes PE3 may be alternately arranged along thefirst imaginary line VL1. Further, in some embodiments, centers of thesecond pixel electrodes PE2 may be spaced apart along a second directionD2 substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1 and may bedisposed on a second imaginary line VL2 parallel to the first imaginaryline VL1, and the first pixel electrodes PE1 and the third pixelelectrodes PE3 may not be disposed on the second imaginary line VL2.

In some embodiments, the center of the first pixel electrode PE1, thecenter of the second pixel electrode PE2, and the center of the thirdpixel electrode PE3 may be disposed on each vertex of an imaginarytriangle.

When the “direction” intersecting the first direction D1 and the seconddirection D2 on the plane is referred to as a third direction D3, andthe “direction” intersecting all the first direction D1, the seconddirection D2, and the third direction D3 on the plane is referred to asa fourth direction D4, the first pixel electrode PE1 may be disposedadjacent to the second pixel electrode PE2 along the third direction D3,and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be disposed adjacent to the secondpixel electrode PE2 along the fourth direction D4.

The areas of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrodePE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be different from each other.Illustratively, an area SE3 of the third pixel electrode PE3 may belarger than an area SE1 of the first pixel electrode PE1 and an area SE2of the second pixel electrode PE2, and the area SE1 of the first pixelelectrode PE1 may be larger than the area SE2 of the second pixelelectrode PE2.

In some embodiments, a shortest gap G1 a between the first pixelelectrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 may be longer than ashortest gap G2 a between the third pixel electrode PE3 and the secondpixel electrode PE2. This is because a first shortest gap G1 between thefirst opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 to be described later islonger than a second shortest gap G2 between the third opening OP3 andthe second opening OP2 to be described later.

The pixel defining film 150 may be disposed on the interlayer insulatinglayer 130, the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrodePE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3. The pixel defining film 150 maycover edges of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrodePE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3.

The pixel defining film 150 includes a first opening OP1 partiallyexposing the first pixel electrode PE1, a second opening OP2 partiallyexposing the second pixel electrode PE2, and a third opening OP3partially exposing the third pixel electrode PE3.

Each of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the thirdopening OP3 defines the area and planar shape of a pixel that is aminimum unit for displaying an image.

The first opening OP1 overlaps the first pixel electrode PE1, the secondopening OP2 overlaps the second pixel electrode PE2, and the thirdopening OP3 overlaps the third pixel electrode PE3.

In some embodiments, each of the first opening OP1, the second openingOP2, and the third opening OP3 may have an octagonal planar shape.However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of thefirst opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 mayhave a planar shape of a polygon such as a triangle, a rectangle, apentagon, or a hexagon, or a planar shape of a closed loop. The firstopening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 arespaced apart from each other.

The areas of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and thethird opening OP3 on the plane may be different from each other.Illustratively, an area SP3 of the third opening OP3 may be larger thanan area SP2 of the second opening OP2 and an area SP1 of the firstopening OP1, and the area SP1 of the first opening OP1 may be largerthan the area SP2 of the second opening OP2. In some embodiments, in thecase of pixel electrodes, the areas of the second pixel electrode PE2,the first pixel electrode PE1, and the third pixel electrode PE3 maybecome larger in this order, and even in the case of openings, the areasof the second opening OP2, the first opening OP1, and the third openingOP3 may become larger in this order.

In some embodiments, centers of the first openings OP1 and the thirdopenings OP3 may be disposed on the first imaginary line VL1 extendingalong the first direction D1, and the first openings OP1 and the thirdopenings OP3 may be alternately arranged along the first imaginary lineVL1. Further, in some embodiments, centers of the second openings OP2may be disposed on the second imaginary line VL2 parallel to the firstimaginary line VL1, and the first openings OP1 and the third opening OP3may not be disposed on the second imaginary line VL2.

In some embodiments, the center of the first opening OP1, the center ofthe second opening OP2, and the center of the third opening OP3 may bedisposed on each vertex of an imaginary triangle, similarly to thecenter of the first pixel electrode PE1, the center of the second pixelelectrode PE2, and the center of the third pixel electrode PE3.

The first opening OP1 may be adjacent to the second opening OP2 alongthe third direction D3, and the third opening OP3 may be adjacent to thesecond opening OP2 along the fourth direction D4.

In some embodiments, a first width OW1 of the second opening OP2measured along the direction toward the first opening OP1 may bedifferent from a second width OW2 of the second opening OP2 measuredalong the direction toward the third opening OP3. Illustratively, thefirst width OW1 of the second opening OP2 may be larger than the secondwidth OW2 of the second opening OP2.

The first shortest gap G1 between the first opening OP1 and the secondopening OP2 may be longer than the second shortest gap G2 between thethird opening OP3 and the second opening OP2. Thus, as will be describedlater, when the first organic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2,and the third organic layer OL3 having different thicknesses from eachother are deposited using a fine metal mask, deposition reliability isimproved. This contributes to the improvement of display quality of thedisplay device 1 and the improvement of reliability.

Considering the relationship among the first pixel electrode PE1, thesecond pixel electrode PE2, the third pixel electrode PE3, the firstopening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3, in someembodiments, a shortest gap G1 b between the second opening OP2 and thefirst pixel electrode PE1 may be longer than a shortest gap G2 b betweenthe second opening OP2 and the third pixel electrode PE3. Further, ashortest gap G1 c between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the firstopening OP1 may be longer than a shortest gap G2 c between the secondpixel electrode PE2 and the third opening OP3. This is based on the areamagnitude relationship among the first pixel electrode PE1, the secondpixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3, the areamagnitude relationship among the first opening OP1, the second openingOP2, and the third opening OP3, and the magnitude relationship betweenthe first shortest gap G1 and the second shortest gap G2.

The first organic layer OL1 may be disposed on the first pixel electrodePE1 exposed by the first opening OP1, the second organic layer OL2 maybe disposed on the second pixel electrode PE2 exposed by the secondopening OP2, and the third organic layer OL3 may be disposed on thethird pixel electrode PE3 exposed by the third opening OP3.

In an embodiment, a part of the first organic layer OL1 may be disposedoutside the first opening OP1 and may be disposed on the pixel definingfilm 150. Similarly, a part of the second organic layer OL2 may bedisposed outside the second opening OP2 and may be disposed on the pixeldefining film 150, and a part of the third organic layer OL3 may bedisposed outside the third opening OP3 and may be disposed on the pixeldefining film 150.

In an embodiment, the first organic layer OL1 includes a first lightemitting layer OL1 a and a first resonance control layer OL1 b disposedbetween the first light emitting layer OL1 a and the first pixelelectrode PE1.

The first light emitting layer OL1 a may be an organic light emittinglayer that emits light of a first color. In some embodiments, the firstcolor may be red, and the wavelength of light emitted from the firstlight emitting layer OL1 a may be about 620 nm to about 750 nm.

The first resonance control layer OL1 b may be disposed between thefirst light emitting layer OL1 a and the first pixel electrode PE1 andmay overlap with the first light emitting layer OL1 a.

In some embodiments, the first resonance control layer OL1 b may includea hole transport material.

In an embodiment, the first light emitting layer OL1 a may emit redlight as described above. In this case, a first resonance distance oflight emitted from the first light emitting layer OL1 a may becontrolled by a thickness W1 b of the first resonance control layer OL1b.

A first resonance distance may be approximately defined as a distancebetween the first pixel electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE. Whenthe first resonance distance is approximately set to an integralmultiple of a value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the red lightby two, the red light emitted from the first light emitting layer OL1 amay interfere constructively, and, as a result, the intensity of the redlight output to the outside may increase.

The first light emitting layer OL1 a and first resonance control layerOL1 b of the first organic layer OL1 may be formed using a same finemetal mask (FMM) (for example, referred to as a first mask). Thus, insome embodiments, each of the first light emitting layer OL1 a and thefirst resonance control layer OL1 b may have an island shape, and theplanar shape of the first light emitting layer OL1 a may be the same(the same or substantially the same) as the planar shape of the firstresonance control layer OL1 b. Further, on the plane, an area of thefirst light emitting layer OL1 a may be equal (equal or substantiallyequal) to an area of the first resonance control layer OL1 b.

The sum of a thickness W1 a of the first light emitting layer OL1 adisposed on the first pixel electrode PE1 and the thickness W1 b of thefirst resonance control layer OL1 b disposed on the first pixelelectrode PE1, that is, a first thickness W1 of the first organic layerOL1 may be thicker than a second thickness W2 of the second organiclayer OL2 to be described later and may be thicker than a thirdthickness W3 of the third organic layer OL3 to be described later.

In an embodiment, the second organic layer OL2 includes a second lightemitting layer OL2 a and a second resonance control layer OL2 b disposedbetween the second light emitting layer OL2 a and the second pixelelectrode PE2.

The second light emitting layer OL2 a may be an organic light emittinglayer that emits light of a second color different from the first color.In some embodiments, the second color may be green, and the wavelengthof light emitted from the second light emitting layer OL2 a may be about495 nm to about 570 nm.

The second resonance control layer OL2 b may be disposed between thesecond light emitting layer OL2 a and the second pixel electrode PE2 andmay overlap with the second light emitting layer OL2 a. In someembodiments, the second resonance control layer OL2 b may include a holetransport material.

A second resonance distance between the second pixel electrode PE2 andthe common electrode CE can be controlled by a thickness W2 b of thesecond resonance control layer OL2 b.

The second light emitting layer OL2 a and second resonance control layerOL2 b of the second organic layer OL2 may be formed using a same finemetal mask (FMM) (for example, referred to as a second mask). The secondmask may be a mask different from the first mask. Thus, in someembodiments, each of the second light emitting layer OL2 a and thesecond resonance control layer OL2 b may have an island shape, and theplanar shape of the second light emitting layer OL2 a may be the same(the same or substantially the same) as the planar shape of the secondresonance control layer OL2 b. Further, on the plane, an area of thesecond light emitting layer OL2 a may be equal (equal or substantiallyequal) to an area of the second resonance control layer OL2 b.

As will be described later, on the plane, an area SL2 of the secondorganic layer OL2 may be smaller than an area SL1 of the first organiclayer OL1. Thus, the area of the first light emitting layer OL1 a may belarger than the area of the second light emitting layer OL2 a, and thearea of the first resonance control layer OL1 b may be larger than thearea of the second resonance control layer OL2 b.

The sum of a thickness W2 a of the second light emitting layer OL2 adisposed on the second pixel electrode PE2 and the thickness W2 b of thesecond resonance control layer OL2 b disposed on the second pixelelectrode PE2, that is, a second thickness W2 of the second organiclayer OL2 may be thinner than the first thickness W1 of the firstorganic layer OL1 and may be thicker than a third thickness W3 of thethird organic layer OL3.

In some embodiments, the thickness W2 b of the second resonance controllayer OL2 b may be thicker than the thickness W1 a of the firstresonance control layer OL1 b, but the present invention is not limitedthereto.

The third organic layer OL3 may be a third light emitting layer.

The third organic layer OL3 may be an organic light emitting layer thatemits light of a third color different from the first color and thesecond color. In some embodiments, the third color may be blue, and thewavelength of light emitted from the third organic layer OL3 may beabout 450 nm to about 495 nm.

In some embodiments, the third organic layer OL3 may not include aseparate resonance control layer, unlike the first organic layer OL1 andthe second organic layer OL2.

The third organic layer OL3 may be formed using a same fine metal mask(FMM) (for example, referred to as a third mask). The third mask may bea mask different from the first mask and the second mask.

On the third pixel electrode PE3 exposed by the third opening OP3, athird thickness W3 of the third organic layer OL3 may be thinner thanthe first thickness W1 of the first organic layer OL1 and may be thinnerthan the second thickness W2 of the second organic layer OL2.

As will be described further later, on the plane, an area SL3 of thethird organic layer OL3 may be larger than the area SL1 of the firstorganic layer OL1 and the area SL2 of the second organic layer OL2.Thus, the area SL3 of the third organic layer OL3 may be larger than thearea of the first light emitting layer OL1 a, the area of the secondlight emitting layer OL2 a, the area of the first resonance controllayer OL1 b, and the area of the second resonance control layer OL2 b.

In an embodiment, on the pixel defining film 150, edges of the firstorganic layer OL1 and the second organic layer OL2 may partially overlapwith each other, and edges of the third organic layer OL3 and the secondorganic layer OL2 may partially overlap with each other. A thickness W11of a portion of the first organic layer OL1 overlapping with the secondorganic layer OL2 may be thinner than the first thickness W1. Similarly,a thickness W21 of a portion of the second organic layer OL2 overlappingwith the first organic layer OL1 and a thickness W22 of a portion of thesecond organic layer OL2 overlapping with the third organic layer OL3may be thinner than the second thickness W2. Further, a thickness W31 ofa portion of the third organic layer OL3 overlapping with the secondorganic layer OL2 may be thinner than the third thickness W3.

In some embodiments, the portion of the second organic layer OL2overlapping with the first organic layer OL1 may be disposed on thefirst organic layer OL1, and the portion of the second organic layer OL2overlapping with the third organic layer OL3 may be disposed on thethird organic layer OL3.

In some embodiments, the overlapping portion between the second organiclayer OL2 and the first organic layer OL1 and the overlapping portion ofthe second organic layer OL2 and the third organic layer OL3 may beformed by a process margin set in the process of forming the firstorganic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2, and the third organiclayer OL3. In some embodiments, a width OV1 of the overlapping portionbetween the second organic layer OL2 and the first organic layer OL1 maybe equal (equal or substantially equal) to a width OV2 of theoverlapping portion of the second organic layer OL2 and the thirdorganic layer OL3. This may be a result based on a preset processmargin.

Herein, a planar structure of the first organic layer OL1, the secondorganic layer OL2, and the third organic layer OL3 will be described.

Each of the first organic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2, andthe third organic layer OL3 may have an island shape.

In some embodiments, centers of the first organic layer OL1 and thethird organic layer OL3 may be disposed on the first imaginary line VL1extending along the first direction D1, and may be alternately arrangedalong the first imaginary line VL1. Further, in some embodiments, acenter of the second organic layer OL2 may be disposed on the secondimaginary line VL2 substantially parallel to the first imaginary lineVL1, and the center of the first organic layer OL1 and the center of thethird organic layer OL3 may not be disposed on the second imaginary lineVL2.

In some embodiments, the center of the first organic layer OL1, thecenter of the second organic layer OL2, and the center of the thirdorganic layer OL3 may be disposed on each vertex of an imaginarytriangle.

The areas of the first organic layer OL1, the second organic layer OL2,and the third organic layer OL3 may be different from each other.Illustratively, the area SL3 of the third organic layer OL3 may belarger than the area SL1 of the first organic layer OL1 and the area SL2of the second organic layer OL2, and the area SL1 of the first organiclayer OL1 may be larger than the area SL2 of the second organic layerOL2.

Considering the relationship among the first organic layer OL1, thesecond organic layer OL2, the third organic layer OL3, the first openingOP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3, in someembodiments, a shortest gap G3 a between the second opening OP2 and thefirst organic layer OL1 may be longer than a shortest gap G4 a betweenthe second opening OP2 and the third organic layer OL3. Further, ashortest gap G3 b between the second organic layer OL2 and the firstopening OP1 may be longer than a shortest gap G4 b between the secondorganic layer OL2 and the third opening OP3.

Considering the relationship among the first organic layer OL1, thesecond organic layer OL2, the third organic layer OL3, the first pixelelectrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixelelectrode PE3, a shortest gap G5 a between the second pixel electrodePE2 and the first organic layer OL1 may be longer than a shortest gap G6a between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the third organic layerOL3. Further, a shortest gap G5 b between the second organic layer OL2and the first pixel electrode PE1 may be longer than a shortest gap G6 bbetween the second organic layer OL2 and the third pixel electrode PE3.

These relationships may be results based on the aforementioned areamagnitude relationship among the first pixel electrode PE1, the secondpixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3, theaforementioned area magnitude relationship among the first opening OP1,the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3, and theaforementioned magnitude relationship between the first shortest gap G1and the second shortest gap G2.

The common electrode CE may be disposed on the first organic layer OL1,the second organic layer OL2, and the third organic layer OL3. In someembodiments, the common electrode CE may be disposed over an entiresurface of the base substrate 110. In some embodiments, the commonelectrode CE may be a cathode electrode, which is an electron injectionelectrode.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic views for explaining a deposition processof an organic layer. For convenience of explanation, in FIGS. 11 and 12,only the base substrate 110 and a mask M are shown.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 10, at the timeof forming an organic layer, a process of placing a mask M having apattern on the base substrate 110 and depositing an organic material EVis performed.

The mask M itself has a thickness (e.g., a predetermined thickness),and, in particular, a step having a thickness (e.g., a predeterminedthickness) TH1 is inevitably provided around the pattern of the mask M.Due to the step of the mask M, a region where the organic material EV isnot deposited to an intended thickness, that is, a shadow region SHA isformed.

As the deposition process of the organic material EV proceeds, a part ofthe organic material EV is also deposited on the mask M to form anorganic material remaining layer OL. With the deposition process of theorganic material EV, the step of the mask M and the organic materialremaining layer OL itself may act as a new step. Here, a thickness TH2of the new step may be thicker than the thickness TH1 of the mask Mitself. Thus, a width Wa of the shadow region SHA may increase as theorganic material EV is deposited.

As the width Wa of the shadow region SHA increases, the organic layerdeposited on the base substrate 110 includes more uneven regions. Thatis, as the width Wa of the shadow region SHA increases, a portion wherethe thickness decreases, for example, a tail portion, increases at theedge of the organic layer formed on the base substrate 110. When theportion of the organic layer not deposited to an intended thickness,that is, the tail portion, is located in the opening, an intended levelof light emission is not achieved, and, thus, the reliability of thedisplay device may deteriorate.

As described above, the thicknesses of the first organic layer OL1, thesecond organic layer OL2, and the third organic layer OL3 may bedifferent from each other. In an embodiment, the first thickness W1 ofthe first organic layer OL1 is thicker than the second thickness W2 ofthe second organic layer OL2 and the third thickness W3 of the thirdorganic layer OL3.

Accordingly, since the thickness of the organic material remaining layerOL deposited on the mask M also increases at the time of forming thefirst organic layer OL1, in the case of the first organic layer OL1,there is a possibility that a tail portion (or a portion whose thicknessis thinner than an intended level) relative to the second organic layerOL2 and the third organic layer OL3 is formed relatively longer, andthus there is a higher possibility that the tail portion (or the portionwhose thickness is thinner than the intended level) is located in thefirst opening OP1, as compared with the second organic layer OL2 and thethird organic layer OL3.

In contrast, since the third organic layer OL3 has a relatively thinnerthickness than the first organic layer OL1 and the second organic layerOL2, the possibility that the tail portion (or the portion whosethickness is thinner than an intended level) of the third organic layerOL3 is located in the third opening OP3 is lower than the possibilitythat the tail portion of the first organic layer OL1 is located in thefirst opening OP1 and the possibility that the tail portion of thesecond organic layer OL2 is located in the second opening OP2.

That is, the possibility that the tail portion is located in the openingincreases as the thickness of the organic layer increases.

According to the above-described embodiments, the first shortest gap G1between the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 is longer thanthe second shortest gap G2 between the second opening OP2 and the thirdopening OP3. Therefore, a larger space may be secured between the firstopening OP1 and the second opening OP2, such that it is possible toprevent or substantially prevent the relatively thick tail portion ofthe first organic layer OL1 from being disposed in the first openingOP1. Since the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrodePE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 are arranged to correspond to thefirst opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3,respectively, as described above, the shortest gap G1 a between thefirst pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 may belonger than the shortest gap G2 a between the second pixel electrode PE2and the third pixel electrode PE3.

Moreover, since a larger space may be provided between the first openingOP1 and the second opening OP2 than between the second opening OP2 andthe third opening OP3, as described above, the shortest gap G3 a betweenthe second opening OP2 and the first organic layer OL1 may be longerthan the shortest gap G4 a between the second opening OP2 and the thirdorganic layer OL3.

As described above, according to embodiments of the present invention, adisplay device having improved reliability is provided.

However, the effects of the present invention are not limited by theforegoing, and other various effects are anticipated herein.

Although some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions, and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventionas disclosed in the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a base substrate; afirst pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixelelectrode arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apart from eachother; a pixel defining film on the first pixel electrode, the secondpixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode and comprising a firstopening exposing the first pixel electrode, a second opening exposingthe second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the first opening, anda third opening exposing the third pixel electrode and spaced apart fromthe first opening and the second opening; a first layer on the firstpixel electrode exposed by the first opening and comprising a firstlight emitting layer; a second layer on the second pixel electrodeexposed by the second opening and comprising a second light emittinglayer; and a third layer on the third pixel electrode exposed by thethird opening and comprising a third light emitting layer, wherein ashortest gap between the third opening and the second opening is shorterthan a shortest gap between the first opening and the second opening ina plan view.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein a first thicknessof a portion of the first layer overlapping the first pixel electrode isthicker than a second thickness of a portion of the second layeroverlapping the second pixel electrode, and wherein the second thicknessof the portion of the second layer overlapping the second pixelelectrode is thicker than a third thickness of a portion of the thirdlayer overlapping the third pixel electrode.
 3. The display device ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first layer, the second layer, and thethird layer has an island shape.
 4. The display device of claim 3,wherein the first light emitting layer is a red light emitting layer,the second light emitting layer is a green light emitting layer, and thethird light emitting layer is a blue light emitting layer.
 5. Thedisplay device of claim 4, wherein the first layer comprises a firstresonance control layer between the first light emitting layer and thefirst pixel electrode, the second layer comprises a second resonancecontrol layer between the second light emitting layer and the secondpixel electrode, a shape of the first light emitting layer is the sameas a shape of the first resonance control layer, and a shape of thesecond light emitting layer is the same as a shape of the secondresonance control layer.
 6. The display device of claim 1, wherein thesecond layer comprises a portion overlapping the first layer and aportion overlapping the third layer.
 7. The display device of claim 6,wherein the portion of the second layer overlapping the first layer ison the first layer, and the portion of the second layer overlapping thethird layer is on the third layer.
 8. The display device of claim 6,wherein each of the portion of the second layer overlapping the firstlayer and the portion of the second layer overlapping the third layercomprises a portion that is thinner than a second thickness of a portionof the second layer overlapping the second pixel electrode.
 9. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein an area of the third opening islarger than an area of the first opening and an area of the secondopening, and the area of the first opening is larger than the area ofthe second opening.
 10. The display device of claim 1, wherein the firstopening and the second opening are spaced apart from each other along afirst direction, and the second opening and the third opening are spacedapart from each other along a second direction crossing the firstdirection.
 11. The display device of claim 10, wherein a width of thesecond opening, measured along the first direction, is larger than awidth of the second opening, measured along the second direction. 12.The display device of claim 1, wherein, in a plan view, a shortest gapbetween the third layer and the second opening is shorter than ashortest gap between the first layer and the second opening.
 13. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein, in a plan view, a shortest gapbetween the third pixel electrode and the second opening is shorter thana shortest gap between the first pixel electrode and the second opening.14. The display device of claim 1, wherein, in a plan view, a shortestgap between the third pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode isshorter than a shortest gap between the first pixel electrode and thesecond pixel electrode.
 15. A display device, comprising: a basesubstrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and athird pixel electrode arranged on the base substrate to be spaced apartfrom each other; a pixel defining film on the first pixel electrode, thesecond pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode and comprising afirst opening exposing the first pixel electrode, a second openingexposing the second pixel electrode and spaced apart from the firstopening, and a third opening exposing the third pixel electrode andspaced apart from the first opening and the second opening; a firstlayer on the first pixel electrode exposed by the first opening andcomprising a first light emitting layer; a second layer on the secondpixel electrode exposed by the second opening and comprising a secondlight emitting layer; and a third layer on the third pixel electrodeexposed by the third opening and comprising a third light emittinglayer, wherein each of the first layer, the second layer, and the thirdlayer has an island shape, wherein, in a plan view, a shortest gapbetween the third layer and the second opening is shorter than ashortest gap between the first layer and the second opening, and whereinthe first opening and the second opening are spaced apart from eachother along a first direction, and the second opening and the thirdopening are spaced apart from each other along a second directioncrossing the first direction.
 16. The display device of claim 15,wherein a first thickness of a portion of the first layer overlappingthe first pixel electrode is thicker than a second thickness of aportion of the second layer overlapping the second pixel electrode, andwherein the second thickness of the portion of the second layeroverlapping the second pixel electrode is thicker than a third thicknessof a portion of the third layer overlapping the third pixel electrode.17. The display device of claim 15, wherein, in a plan view, a shortestgap between the third opening and the second layer is shorter than ashortest gap between the first opening and the second layer.
 18. Thedisplay device of claim 15, wherein, in a plan view, a shortest gapbetween the third layer and the second pixel electrode is shorter than ashortest gap between the first layer and the second pixel electrode. 19.The display device of claim 15, wherein an area of the third layer islarger than an area of the first layer and an area of the second layer,the area of the first layer is larger than the area of the second layer,an area of the third opening is larger than an area of the first openingand an area of the second opening, and the area of the first opening islarger than the area of the second opening.
 20. A display device,comprising: a base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixelelectrode, and a third pixel electrode arranged on the base substrate tobe spaced apart from each other; a first layer on the first pixelelectrode and comprising a first light emitting layer; a second layer onthe second pixel electrode and comprising a second light emitting layer;a third layer on the third pixel electrode and comprising a third lightemitting layer; and a common electrode on the first layer, the secondlayer, and the third layer, wherein each of the first layer, the secondlayer, and the third layer has an island shape, and wherein, in a planview, a shortest gap between the third pixel electrode and the secondpixel electrode is shorter than a shortest gap between the first pixelelectrode and the second pixel electrode.
 21. The display device ofclaim 20, wherein a first thickness of a portion of the first layeroverlapping the first pixel electrode is thicker than a second thicknessof a portion of the second layer overlapping the second pixel electrode,and wherein the second thickness of the portion of the second layeroverlapping the second pixel electrode is thicker than a third thicknessof a portion of the third layer overlapping the third pixel electrode.22. The display device of claim 20, wherein, in a plan view, a shortestgap between the third layer and the second pixel electrode is shorterthan a shortest gap between the first layer and the second pixelelectrode.
 23. The display device of claim 20, wherein an area of thethird pixel electrode is larger than an area of the first pixelelectrode and an area of the second pixel electrode, and the area of thefirst pixel electrode is larger than the area of the second pixelelectrode.